Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola share a powerful revelation from the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14. Jesus, moved with compassion, healed the sick, and provided abundantly for the people. But before the miracle of provision, He gave a direct command: “Sit down.” This command was not about striving, working harder, or proving worth—it was about resting in His provision, love, and grace. The pastors emphasize that Jesus’s only command here was to relax, to recline in green pastures, and receive from Him freely.
Bible verses referenced
Matthew 14:13-20- "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them. They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him. We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
Psalm 23:1-2- "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Setting
- The Law Fulfilled in Love
- Compassion at the Heart of Grace
- The Command to Sit Down
- Resting in Green Pastures
- Overflowing Provision in Rest
- Confirmation from Psalm 23
- Closing Encouragement
Introduction and Setting
Pastors Leonard and Lori begin by greeting the audience and sharing that they are visiting family while taking time to minister a short word. They express their gratitude for the prayers, support, and offerings of the body of Christ, noting how God moves upon hearts to provide for ministry. This sets the tone for the message of reliance on God’s provision.
The Law Fulfilled in Love
Pastor Leonard reflects on discussions about laws in the church today. He shares that some believe the law is fully done away with, but he stands in the camp that embraces the law of love. Jesus commanded, “Love one another as I have loved you.” The Apostle Paul confirmed that love fulfills the law. When believers walk in love, they are living in the fullness of God’s command.
Compassion at the Heart of Grace
Turning to Matthew 14:14, Pastor Leonard highlights how "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." Jesus’s ministry was rooted in compassion—His innermost being stirred with love for people. The pastors explain that compassion and love are synonymous and central to grace. Grace is God continually moved with compassion toward His children, not just once in history but always, because Jesus is always Jesus, God is always God, and grace is always grace.
The Command to Sit Down
The focus shifts to Matthew 14:19, where "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass." Pastor Leonard points out that this is one of the rare times Jesus issued a direct command in such a setting. Unlike commands rooted in burdens or duties, this command was simple: Sit down. Rest. Recline. The Greek meaning of “sit down” includes “to lean back” or “to recline,” painting the picture of resting comfortably, much like in a chair or recliner. Jesus’s command was not about effort but about receiving in rest.
Resting in Green Pastures
The detail that Jesus commanded the people to sit in the grass is not incidental. Grass, particularly green pastures, represents provision, life, and prosperity in Scripture. The pastors explain that by commanding the people to sit down on the grass, Jesus was telling them to rest in His provision, His Zoe life, and His prosperity. It was a command to trust fully in His sufficiency.
Overflowing Provision in Rest
As the people obeyed Jesus’s command to sit down, the miracle followed: " And they did all eat, and were filled."(Matthew 14:20). This was not a meager portion; everyone ate until they were satisfied, and there was overflow left—twelve baskets full. The pastors emphasize that in the place of rest, provision is released, abundance flows, and every need is met without striving.
Confirmation from Psalm 23
To confirm this truth, the pastors turn to Psalm 23:1-2: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. Just as in Matthew 14, the Lord “makes” or commands His people to lie down in green pastures. This reinforces that God’s command is not burdensome, but an invitation to rest in His care, love, and provision.
Closing Encouragement
Pastors Leonard and Lori conclude with encouragement: God’s command is not to strive, to push harder, or to worry about performance. His command is to rest in His love, grace, provision, and healing. They remind the listener to take a deep breath, relax, and receive. The gospel of grace is not about what we must do but about reclining in what He has already done.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with friends and family so they too can experience the freedom of His command to rest. May you continue to recline in His green pastures, trust His compassion, and receive His overflowing provision.